Eliot J. Schechter/ MLB Photos via Getty Images(ST. LOUIS) -- Carlos Beltran launched a three-run home run in the third inning as the St. Louis Cardinals flew past the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-1 to take a 1-0 lead in their NL Division series.

"To be able to get out on a good first step and play well today I think is big for our guys confidence-wise," manager Mike Matheny said. "Gives us an opportunity to just take some momentum, and momentum is big right now when you talk about a five-game series."

The Cardinals were able to chase Pittsburgh starter A.J. Burnett from the game in the third inning. The first eight Cardinals reached base safely in the frame, handing Burnett the second-shortest start of his career.

"Game 164 was rough," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "One of the things we've been good at is we don't overcook things."